For the most part, the wonder of the human body is that it is designed to move. Even during, with and through the reproductive cycles, trimester stages and all phases of pregnancy.
With hormones raging, blood pressure rising, ankles and other extremities swelling, slower bowel movements, increased calorie intake and other such pleasures, related physical sings and symptoms of pregnancy, the need for exercise is greater than ever. All are better off if we burn fat and calories as well as manage, control and sustain a healthy weight. However, reduced calorie intake is not an option or recommended route while pregnant, as balanced nutrition allows for the growth and development of a healthy fetus and the birth of a perfect newborn, all intact.
You are growing a brain and incubating a little body in there, so ‘starving’ you or your baby is not an option during the next nine months. Gradual weight gain, in a healthy way, not through overeating or eating for two necessarily, will occur over time, as your body starts ‘showing’ that you are pregnant. The rewards of exercise while pregnant and during pregnancy (early, middle and later stages), in moderation, safely is not out of the question. Quite the contrary, it is an absolute necessity, essential for the health of both mom and baby.
Not warming up properly, not staying hydrated, not allowing your muscles to cool down can all be deemed not safe or healthy for anyone, but increasingly so for the pregnant physique and condition. Pay special attention to avoid risk or injury, slipping and falling, toppling over (your center of gravity has shifted and you have precious cargo).
Adjust and modify your exercise routine to bend, stretch, reach and tone differently. You can still pretty much do your full-body workout, aerobic, cardiac activities (if that is your preference), yoga, swimming, running/walking are all seen as relatively safe activity.
Most will tell you that pregnancy is no real impediment to exercise or routines, but small adjustments will be required to keep both mom and baby safe. You are putting more strain on your heart and lungs already with being pregnant, with the weight and volume of the growing uterus and fetus, amniotic fluid or sac etc., so just take it easy or easier on yourself and your body.
